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My perspective as an original pioneer of rTMS for depresson: It’s excellent that we are finally having these conversations. In 2002, so many thought rTMS was witchcraft. Luckily I remember residents were becoming very interested around that time. We had such an uphill battle with insurers in Canada. As we later learned a lot of that was the way the Canadian extended system was rather incestuous to self reward for not solving the problem. A solution would deprive the majority of the polices to administer long term disability. I remember at that time the traction we were trying to deploy was the adage find the rehabilitation world - from the same insurers: “If you don’t get them back within 3 to 6 months the probability that they will ever go back to work is zero”. Or words to that effect. So let’s come back to an economic argument - the costs to medical systems, employers and families are very large with mood disorders. Delaying for less than stellar results with Pharma combined with compliance issues, is usually far more costly. So grateful that the dialogue has shifted. Too bad it is taking so long.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement. These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce dopamine. Normally, dopamine operates in a delicate balance with other neurotransmitters to help coordinate the millions of nerve and muscle cells involved in movement. Without enough dopamine, this balance is disrupted, resulting in tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination – the primary symptoms of Parkinson's. Understanding the disease is crucial for managing its symptoms effectively and supporting those who live with the disease. #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsonstreatment #revolutionizingparkinsonscare

The final version of our article is finally available online. Should rTMS be considered a first-line treatment for major depressive episodes in adults? Such a pleasure working with Derrick Matthew Buchanan, PhD, Jean-Marie Batail, and Nolan Williams to put this piece together. In my opinion the evidence is overwhelming, but we do suggest a few clinical trials to really drive this point home. 1) comparing rTMS to SSRIs in an RCT and 2) letting patients choose from open-label rTMS, pharmacotherapy, or psychotherapy as a first-line option so that we can better understand preference. Further, we discuss the socio-economic challenges of elevating rTMS to first-line status. With about 2500-3000 rTMS stimulators in clinical use in the U.S., we are more prepared for this transformation than other places such as The UK and France with only about 70-80 stimulators in clinical practice each. However, the U.S. still has substantial challenges related to insurance coverage which we address in the piece. Thank you again to my co-authors and all who have supported me on this journey! https://lnkd.in/gKguGteB

The FDA Takes Another Step in the Wrong Direction I continue to advocate to improve a system that's failing to address the mental health and substance abuse crises adequately, leading to tragic consequences. Countless lives have been lost due to limited access to promising treatments while countless others never fully healed from their brain injury, addiction, or complex trauma. Despite exploring alternative approaches like hyperbaric medicine and plant-based therapies, these methods remain unapproved and uncovered by insurance. The FDA's recent decision regarding #MDMA reflects a regressive stance, highlighting the crucial need to embrace a wider array of effective treatments. While the FDA demands more studies on plant medicines and hyperbaric medicine, vital research on anti-seizure and anti-convulsion drugs is lacking as to their efficacy for mental health. Resources are often misallocated to ineffective medications, failing to save lives. Hyperbaric oxygen, a proven modality for mental health, is unjustly not approved. Numerous studies attest to the effectiveness of #HBOT, yet access is restricted. Similarly, ibogaine and the iboga root show promise for addiction treatment and holistic healing from polytrauma or complex trauma, but their potential is disregarded. It is imperative to broaden our perspectives and prioritize the well-being of those struggling. How many more lives must be lost before we commit to exploring and legitimizing innovative treatments that could make a real difference?

For those in my network who say they care about well-being and mental health, please take note. Yesterday the FDA rejected MDMA for the treatment of PTSD. This is a crushing blow to the Veteran community and Corporate America. Yes, you read that right- Corporate America. I have over 3,000 hours of experience as a professional coach and this is what I have gleaned from my experience. ✅ There are thousands of organizational leaders suffering from complex-PTSD- a stress related mental disorder that results from a difficult or neglectful childhood. ✅ Hurt people, hurt people. ✅ Toxic leaders are hurt people. ✅ Toxic leaders can be downright mean and manipulative. They are unethical and break laws. ✅ Toxic leaders who present as nice can also be codependent cronies who cover up for the mean people. Think about Harvey Weinstein as a leader within his organization. How many of his colleagues and advisors (e.g. attorneys) colluded to cover up his actions? If we want to cultivate healthier and more sustainable organizations, we need to heal Corporate America (along with our beloved Veteran community). I look forward to the day when the FDA approves psychedelics for medical use.

Any potential benefits of antipsychotic treatment need to be weighed against risk of serious harm and treatment plans should be reviewed regularly, they add. The findings of this study will equip health care professionals with more nuanced data to help guide personalized treatment decisions, say US researchers in a linked editorial. They explain that international guidelines advise restricting use to adults with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but the rate of prescribing has risen in recent years, partly due to the relative scarcity of effective non-drug alternatives and the substantial resources needed to implement them. "Increased priority on more patient-centric care, tailored care plans, regular reassessment of management options, and a move away from the over-prescription of antipsychotics is overdue," they conclude. https://lnkd.in/eehe8nwF

✴️ News ✴️  BrainsWay Launches Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Trial Evaluating Accelerated Deep TMS™ for Depression. An accelerated treatment protocol has the potential to improve convenience and thereby make Deep TMS substantially more appealing to many prospective patients. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #DeepTMS #depression #anxiousdepression #OCD #smokingaddiction #latelifedepression #AcceleratedTMS

Very proud that one of my clients has been contributing her own story with functional disorders to help out other people who may be struggling and surviving. Functional presentations are unique mix of challenges. Once a diagnosis is made (which can take years) and treatment has started, the acute symptoms can often resolve remarkably quickly with the right psychological approach. However the physical deconditioning (and sometimes damage) that happens, and which often leads to relapse, can take much longer to address and requires the input of physios, medics, and other professionals to manage correctly. Well done Abbie!! https://lnkd.in/echkTeet

Today, let's explore the "Connection Between TBI and TMJ"! Did you know that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can influence TMJ disorders? TBI, which includes concussions and other head injuries, can lead to pain in the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders. This is because the impact can affect the alignment and function of the jaw joint and muscles. 🩺 TBI Defined: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head. * TMJ TAMPA does not directly treat TBI injuries. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergy, please seek emergency services* 🩺 Impact on TMJ: Head injuries can result in pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. 🩺 Symptoms: Jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, and difficulty chewing. Management Tips: Seek medical attention if you suspect a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Consult with specialists to manage TMJ symptoms post-trauma. If you're experiencing jaw pain *after* a head injury, Tampa TMJ can help. Contact us for a consultation today. * TMJ TAMPA does not directly treat TBI injuries. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergy, please seek emergency services* Tampa TMJ | (813) 772-4563 | info@TampaTMJ.com “Unlocking Smiles, Relieving Pain”

Every year, millions of people around the world sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have life-altering consequences[11]. In the United States alone, approximately 2.8 million people suffer a TBI annually, contributing to a major public health crisis[11]. To raise awareness about this "silent epidemic" and its far-reaching impacts, March has been designated as National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Learn More Here : https://lnkd.in/eVbr_YfF #BrainInjuryAwareness #TraumaticBrainInjury  #BrainInjurySurvivors #BrainInjuryAwareness2024 #BrainInjurySurvivor #TraumaticBrainInjury #ProtectYourBrain #SilentEpidemic #TBIawareness #BrainHealth